Don’t get burned by the law

Outdoor fires are banned in
most areas

U P D A T E Rule Summary Need a one-page quick reference guide you can read, print, share or post? This is it.  It's a fast and easy way to get all the facts - plus current updates - in one place. Outdoor Burning Rule Update Summary (PDF 0.03MB)

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency enforces state outdoor burning regulations in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, as follows below:

If you live in an urbanized area (incorporated cities, suburbs and adjacent areas):

• Burning yard waste and land-clearing debris is not allowed at any time.

  • For more information, refer to the Washington Clean Air Act, RCW 70.94.743

• The following fires may be allowed under certain circumstances:

  • Recreational fires

  • Native American ceremonial fires

  • Certain agricultural fires

If you live in an unincorporated area:

• All land-clearing fires will be banned in King, Pierece and Snohomish counties effective July 1, 2008.

• Contact your local fire district to find out if residential outdoor fires are allowed and about permit and other local requirements.

• Fires are never permitted during air quality or fire safety burn bans.

Don’t get burned! Fines for illegal fires typically start at $2,000 plus the cost to reimburse the fire department for its response efforts. Spare the air – and your wallet – and consider one of these alternatives instead

In addition to local restrictions, the following state regulations apply to every outdoor fire:

• Stay clear of structures. Check with your local fire department regarding setback requirements.

• Fuel it right. The following materials may not be burned in any outdoor fire: Garbage, dead animals, asphalt, petroleum products, paints, rubber products, plastics, paper (other than what is necessary to start a fire), cardboard, treated wood, construction/demolition debris, metal, or any substance (other than natural vegetation) that normally releases toxic emissions, dense smoke, or obnoxious odors when burned.

• Stand guard and extinguish. A person capable of extinguishing the fire must attend it at all times, and the fire must be extinguished before leaving it.

• Mind the ban. Outdoor fires are always prohibited during air-quality burn bans. They may also be prohibited during a fire-safety burn ban (check with your local fire district).

• Abandon the barrel. The use of burn barrels is illegal throughout the state.

• Be a good neighbor. It is always illegal to smoke out your neighbor. If smoke from your fire bothers your neighbors, damages their property or otherwise causes a nuisance, you must immediately put it out.

For more information, see the Washington Administrative Code Section 173-425-050.

Remember: It is ALWAYS illegal to burn trash.